A MURDER trial witness had it suggested to him that he was the man responsible for the fatal injuries inflicted on a 64-year-old alcoholic.

Martin Crossman was giving evidence at Teesside Crown Court in the trial of Martin Campbell who is accused of murdering his friend David Crockett in June this year.

The court heard Mr Crossman was a neighbour of Campbell’s, who lived in a top floor flat on Westbourne Grove, Redcar, at the time of the death.

Mr Crossman said he regularly visited friends who lived on the bottom floor and the middle floor of the block and heard arguing between two men in Campbell’s flat on the day Mr Crockett is believed to have died - Thursday June 10.

Campbell’s barrister Tom Bayliss QC challenged Mr Crossman with his previous convictions - including a number for violent offences.

“You are a violent man aren’t you Mr Crossman?” asked Mr Bayliss.

“I’m as violent as the next man,” said Mr Crossman. “I maybe used to be a violent man but not now.”

Mr Bayliss went on: “Someone called Marty had been up to that flat I suggest, was it you?”

Prosecution barrister Andrew Robertson QC said to Mr Crossman: “What is being suggested to you is that on that Thursday you had gone up to that top flat and were responsible for injuring the deceased.”

A post-mortem examination showed that Mr Crockett suffered severe injuries to his face and head which in turn led to extensive and fatal injuries to the brain. He also suffered 12 broken ribs. Medical tests suggested the injuries were caused on or around June 10, although Mr Crockett probably did not die immediately.

Campbell, 47, denies murder.

Another witness, Graham Charville, was asked if the community was involved in a cover-up to protect one of their friends.

Mr Bayliss asked him: “Are you telling us the truth? Is this all designed by you and others? Are you protecting someone you know?

Mr Charville replied: “Like who? I’m protecting no one.”

“Someone called Marty?” said Mr Bayliss, who then asked: “Was there ever shouting from the top floor?”

“Get the other witnesses in,” said Mr Charville. “They heard it as well.”